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Colorado OC at ski resorts - Clear Creek, Jefferson Counties question

4sallypat

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Dec 31, 2014
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California
Newcomer to this informative site!

Question about OC in Colorado ski areas:

Next month will be visiting your state for a week and need to know about open carry at ski resorts.
From what I have researched, Breckenridge & Steamboat Springs do not allow OC - and therefore will avoid spending any money there.

First question:
Are there other ski resorts or counties that are non OC ???

Second question:
I am also staying in Golden (Jefferson County) - I have read that Open Spaces in Jeffco (I assume are county / city parks ?) and government buildings are non OC ?
So as long as I open carry in the town of Golden, I should be OK ?

Will be taking the Coors factory brewer tour - anyone carry openly there ?

Thanks!
 

Grapeshot

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Welcome aboard OCDO.

Moved this to the Colorado sub-forum as the questions are state specific, not related to the generalities of open carry.
 

jackrockblc

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Jefferson County, CO
First question:
Are there other ski resorts or counties that are non OC ???

Interesting. The last time I went skiing, I wasn't a firearms owner, so I didn't check. I can find nothing on either Vail, Winter Park's, Eldora's or Loveland's sites. Maybe somebody else will have more detailed info. I'm curious, as I hope to go this season

Second question:
I am also staying in Golden (Jefferson County) - I have read that Open Spaces in Jeffco (I assume are county / city parks ?) and government buildings are non OC ?
So as long as I open carry in the town of Golden, I should be OK ?

I have OC'd in Golden - I work across the street from the Brewery. It's not normal in the city, but not entirely unknown, either. From my understanding, your assumption is correct.

Will be taking the Coors factory brewer tour - anyone carry openly there ?
Can't say, as I've never had the tour. The sign out front says it's closed for tours, make sure you are set to get a tour before you just show up. I've heard of people taking the tour, despite the sign. However, I think they worked stuff out ahead of time, and didn't just show up.
 

cloudcroft

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I and several other OCers have carried in Golden also. We even had an OC Event at the Denny's there (2391 Youngfield Service Rd).

Afterwards, I OCed across the "street" (I-70) at the nearby King Soopers -- needed some "travelling supplies" for my lengthy trip back to COS. Did they ever finish remodeling that store yet?


I wouldn't be concerned about OCing anywhere in Colorado -- except Denver of course! But hopefully, we can get THAT liberal arrogance (exempting itself from its own Colorado State Constitution) fixed someday.

Happy New Year's Day...
 
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4sallypat

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Thanks so much for the info everyone!
Very helpful in making me at ease in your state.
Happy new years to all!:)
 

JG_Buffalo

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Colorado
I got my Jeffco CHP in June and haven't OC'd except for a few times in Golden (getting lunch or walking the dogs. You will be fine in town, despite the mayor joining Everytown for Gun Sense and having a rally of 6 people. I haven't OC'd while skiing but I could see it as an excellent opportunity to D&E especially since people are stuck on the lift with you for ~5 minutes, and your intentions are obvious (skiing). Would anyone else be interested in doing an OC skiing event?

As far as legality goes, the ticket or pass doesn't have any stipulations about weapons, and ski patrol regularly carry dynamite. Most, if not all, ski resorts are on USDA forest lands and have no restrictions on carry (to my limited knowledge).
 

JG_Buffalo

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Newcomer to this informative site!

Question about OC in Colorado ski areas:

Will be taking the Coors factory brewer tour - anyone carry openly there ?

Thanks!

I should mention, the tour displays a prominent "No Firearms" sign at the entrance, so no OC unless you're the private security, Golden PD, or Jeffco Sheriff. I don't remember if they also have metal detectors. There are armed security most spots, I've always seen it as a slight inconvenience to stash a firearm in the glovebox for 2(3) free samples, you shouldn't drink and carry anyways.
 

jackrockblc

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Jefferson County, CO
I should mention, the tour displays a prominent "No Firearms" sign at the entrance, so no OC unless you're the private security, Golden PD, or Jeffco Sheriff. I don't remember if they also have metal detectors. There are armed security most spots, I've always seen it as a slight inconvenience to stash a firearm in the glovebox for 2(3) free samples, you shouldn't drink and carry anyways.

Is that on the sign out by Ford road, or closer up to the buildings? I don't recall seeing that statement, but I drive by at 35mph every day, and might have just missed it. I'll certainly look for it on Monday! :)
 

cloudcroft

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Sorry for any confusion: By "OCing anywhere in Colorado except Denver" I was speaking in general. I don't ski so don't know about ski areas. Yes, that was the OP's question, but I was just responding to "OCing in Golden" in jackrockblc's post above -- just in case anyone thought Golden was a place to avoid OCing (for whatever reason). It's not. Even in liberal Boulder, as well.

I guess you can bring pot with you to ski resorts though (have heard that's a popular thing to do, at least on charter buses to ski resorts?) but you can't bring guns as "No Firearms" clearly means neither OC or CC allowed -- as JG_Buffalo mentions.

But then, it's a given that in ALL states (not just Colorado), SOME places will be off-limits to guns, either OC or maybe even CC, meaning such places as private property that's posted, businesses, schools and so on -- I don't go to any of these. In MY everyday OCing here in The Great State of Colorado, I OC everywhere (and that's a lot of places) -- except for the VA and USPS (Federal property), of course! Or our local military bases (such as when I go to the BX/PX or Commissary @ the Air Force Academy, Ft. Carson, etc.) or even the Social Security office -- also all Federal property.

Again though, it's a given that SOME places will be off-limits...I just try to stay away from such places!
 
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4sallypat

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I got my Jeffco CHP in June and haven't OC'd except for a few times in Golden (getting lunch or walking the dogs. You will be fine in town, despite the mayor joining Everytown for Gun Sense and having a rally of 6 people. I haven't OC'd while skiing but I could see it as an excellent opportunity to D&E especially since people are stuck on the lift with you for ~5 minutes, and your intentions are obvious (skiing). Would anyone else be interested in doing an OC skiing event?

As far as legality goes, the ticket or pass doesn't have any stipulations about weapons, and ski patrol regularly carry dynamite. Most, if not all, ski resorts are on USDA forest lands and have no restrictions on carry (to my limited knowledge).

Yes, would love to meet some folks who are OC at Loveland or Arapahoe ski resorts which is where I am centering my skiing to - they are located in Clear Creek County which appears to be gun friendly ???:confused:

Because I normally carry concealed, I had to buy an outside carry holster - has anyone tried the Hogue PowerSpeed w/ level 1 retention??

So I just have to find a belt that will hold the holster and gun -
NReFSN.jpg


Also, I research before going to a state where I avoid giving any tourist money to any place that is not gun friendly....

So far, based on Jefferson County, I should be OK to OC. -:monkey

I noticed JeffCo includes Arvada, Wheat Ridge, and Lakewood - are those town unfriendly to OC??
 

jackrockblc

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Jefferson County, CO
So far, based on Jefferson County, I should be OK to OC.

I noticed JeffCo includes Arvada, Wheat Ridge, and Lakewood - are those town unfriendly to OC??

I have carried in Arvada and Wheat Ridge and live in Lakewood (where I've OC'd more than any other). My only police encounter while OCing was up close and personal in Lakewood with a uniform - who was clearly there not for me - we just happened upon each other. My weapon plainly visible, as were my dogs - who were the only topic of conversation. I've read several other encounters from Lakewood, and all but one very positive (with the one negative one being several years ago, and the others all within the past five years).

It's my belief that cops in these municipalities are generally OC-friendly, educated on Title 18, Article 12 of the C.R.S., and are also not jerks about too much. Now, don't take that as end-all, be-all. There's bound to be one or two cops per jurisdiction who are just out to get all gun owners, and inject their own politics into the scene.
 

J_dazzle23

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I've gotta be honest.....I'm a huge proponent of carrying always if you can, but there is no way on planet earth I'm carrying on the hill unless in a padded backpack. I've taken falls so hard that had I fallen on a gun it would have been a fractured iliac crest or rib. I've also eaten it hard enough to have a "yard sale" and find all my possessions across the snowscape. I just find it extremely difficult, as well as somewhat unlikely that a handgun is going to be of use to me with 2 pairs of gloves on and in my backpack with all my gear.

Not trying to be a Debbie downer :)
 

4sallypat

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I have carried in Arvada and Wheat Ridge and live in Lakewood (where I've OC'd more than any other). My only police encounter while OCing was up close and personal in Lakewood with a uniform - who was clearly there not for me - we just happened upon each other. My weapon plainly visible, as were my dogs - who were the only topic of conversation. I've read several other encounters from Lakewood, and all but one very positive (with the one negative one being several years ago, and the others all within the past five years).

It's my belief that cops in these municipalities are generally OC-friendly, educated on Title 18, Article 12 of the C.R.S., and are also not jerks about too much. Now, don't take that as end-all, be-all. There's bound to be one or two cops per jurisdiction who are just out to get all gun owners, and inject their own politics into the scene.

+3 for the additional cities = thank you! :banana:

As a gun toting tourist, I am planning on spending money only in those cities that are gun friendly and avoid Denver county and city at all costs.

I also hear that Breckenridge and Steamboat Springs are anti gun so I shall also avoid those ski resorts too!:uhoh:

Glad to hear from those that I will have a fun time being a ski tourist in your fair state!
 

OC for ME

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If friction is the only retention method I'd advice against the displayed holster while skiing. Safely carried in a backpack is sage advice, place it on your belt after leaving the slopes.
 

cloudcroft

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El Paso, TX (formerly Colorado Springs, CO)
4sallypat,

OCing is fine in all the "suburbs" around Denver. Besides Golden mentioned earlier, we've had OC events in Aurora, Broomfield, Ken Caryl and Lakewood. Additionally, I've OCed in Westminster, Highland Ranch, and Arvada. And after my occasional doctor app'ts @ the VAMC in Denver, I usually stop by the Village Inn/IHOP in Ken Caryl (@ Loop 470) -- OCing, of course -- before going back to The Springs.

As for OCing while skiing (even if it's legal at a particular ski resort) I have to agree with J_dazzle23 and OC for ME: Put it in a small backpack (or secure fanny pack) for "retention" purposes, since you'll be engaged in serious physical activity. You can resume displaying your "carry item" (and continue offering D&E* to the general public) AFTER you're finished skiing.

The only time *I* have and would presently OC while engaged in "serious physical activity" -- running, jumping, and falling down (!) -- is in combat. Doing sports...no.

And maybe not even CC...unless it was a very tiny (and sweat-resistant) gun I could comfortably CC while engaged in sports (like a NAA Mini-Revolver PUG in .22 Magnum).

Whatever, have fun!



*Desensitize & Educate (two things that ONLY people who OC can do)
 
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JamesB

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Lakewood, Colorado, USA
Is that on the sign out by Ford road, or closer up to the buildings? I don't recall seeing that statement, but I drive by at 35mph every day, and might have just missed it. I'll certainly look for it on Monday! :)

It's on the building itself right next to the front door that you walk in to take the tour.
 

JamesB

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Lakewood, Colorado, USA
Back to the original topic...

DO NOT Carry Openly while skiing unless it is cross country.

-Facility of public transportation. (If loaded)

18-9-118. Firearms, explosives, or incendiary devices in facilities of public transportation.

A person commits a class 6 felony if, without legal authority, he has any loaded firearm or explosive or incendiary device, as defined in section 9-7-103, C.R.S., in his possession in, or carries, brings, or causes to be carried or brought any of such items into, any facility of public transportation, as defined in section 18-9-115 (4).

18-9-115. Endangering public transportation.

(4) "Facility of public transportation" includes a public conveyance and any area, structure, or device which is designed, adapted, and used to support, guide, control, permit, or facilitate the movement, starting, stopping, takeoff, landing, or servicing of a public conveyance or the loading or unloading of passengers or goods.


To clarify:
It is a FELONY to carry a loaded firearm on the ski lift.
 

Grapeshot

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Back to the original topic...

DO NOT Carry Openly while skiing unless it is cross country.

-Facility of public transportation. (If loaded)

18-9-118. Firearms, explosives, or incendiary devices in facilities of public transportation.

A person commits a class 6 felony if, without legal authority, he has any loaded firearm or explosive or incendiary device, as defined in section 9-7-103, C.R.S., in his possession in, or carries, brings, or causes to be carried or brought any of such items into, any facility of public transportation, as defined in section 18-9-115 (4).

18-9-115. Endangering public transportation.

(4) "Facility of public transportation" includes a public conveyance and any area, structure, or device which is designed, adapted, and used to support, guide, control, permit, or facilitate the movement, starting, stopping, takeoff, landing, or servicing of a public conveyance or the loading or unloading of passengers or goods.


To clarify:
It is a FELONY to carry a loaded firearm on the ski lift.
If the ski facility is not public property, then how can the ski lift be other than private property?
 

JamesB

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If the ski facility is not public property, then how can the ski lift be other than private property?

It is private property, but it is designed to facilitate the conveyance of the public. (for a small fee)

It is not there for members only.

18-9-115
(3) "Public conveyance" includes a passenger or freight train, airplane, bus, truck, car, boat, tramway, gondola, lift, elevator, escalator, or other device intended, designed, adapted, and used for the public carriage of persons or property.

I can also conclude here that it could apply to taxis and limos, even though each of those is privately owned.
 
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Grapeshot

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If the ski facility is not public property, then how can the ski lift be other than private property?

It is private property, but it is designed to facilitate the conveyance of the public.

It is not there for members only.

I'll see if I can find a cite for you.
So would an escalator or elevator in a retail establishment be included in that interpretation?
 
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